Question

1. $a^2 + 2a - 8$

Explanation:

Step1: Find factor pairs of -8

Pairs: $(4, -2)$, $(-4, 2)$, $(8, -1)$, $(-8, 1)$

Step2: Pick pair summing to 2

$4 + (-2) = 2$

Step3: Write factored form

Use the pair to split the middle term and factor:
$a^2 + 4a - 2a - 8 = a(a+4) - 2(a+4) = (a+4)(a-2)$

Answer:

$(a+4)(a-2)$